Asymmetric Balancing Ring for Cooling Fan Impeller Unbalance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for balancing impeller assemblies in cooling fans are costly and time-consuming, particularly in high-volume manufacturing, as they require iterative mass additions to achieve acceptable vibration levels, which can lead to inefficient device operation and increased wear on mechanical components.

Innovation Solution

The method involves coupling asymmetric or interlocking balancing rings to the impeller assembly, which are oriented to counteract unbalances using a balancing machine, allowing for a single correction of unbalance to meet vibration thresholds, thereby reducing vibrational forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If iterative mass addition method is used to balance impeller assembly, then vibration levels are reduced to acceptable thresholds, but production time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration controlVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing ring is pre-formed with an asymmetric mass distribution that corresponds to a predetermined unbalance condition. This preliminary preparation allows the ring to immediately counteract the actual impeller unbalance when installed, eliminating the need for iterative mass addition during production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The balancing ring is designed with an asymmetric mass distribution rather than a symmetric one. This asymmetric configuration enables the ring to counteract specific unbalance conditions in the impeller assembly, providing targeted vibration reduction without requiring multiple adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If traditional balancing method with multiple mass additions is used, then impeller assembly achieves acceptable balance, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalance accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing ring is manufactured in advance with the correct asymmetric mass distribution already built into its structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for costly iterative adjustment processes during production, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining balance accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The balancing ring is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using complex iterative adjustment procedures, the solution employs a straightforward single-step installation of a pre-configured balancing ring, reducing both cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If asymmetric balancing ring is coupled to impeller assembly, then unbalance is reduced in a single step, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalancing speedVSAvoidbalancing ring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing function is separated into a distinct component (the balancing ring) that can be independently manufactured and then installed on the impeller assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified production of individual components while achieving complex balancing results through their combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The balancing ring incorporates an asymmetric mass distribution as an inherent design feature rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. This asymmetric configuration is built into the ring's structure during manufacturing, providing simple yet effective unbalance correction without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach efficiently balances the impeller assembly in a single step, reducing production time and costs while minimizing vibrations and wear on mechanical components, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of cooling fans.

Implementation Method 1

When the impeller assembly is not balanced about a rotational axis, the rotation of the impeller can induce a vibrational force on the cooling fan and any surrounding structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The asymmetry of the balancing ring can counteract any difference between the center of mass for the impeller assembly and a rotational axis about which the impeller assembly rotates, reducing vibrational forces resulting from the unbalance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS9200637B2Method for correction of impeller unbalance of a cooling fan

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

The described embodiments relate generally to cooling fans and more specifically to a method for balancing an impeller assembly included in a cooling fan. In one embodiment, a balancing ring with an asymmetric shape can be included in an impeller assembly and rotated to correct an unbalance in the impeller assembly. In another embodiment, a balancing ring assembly can be provided including an inner balancing ring and an outer balancing ring. The size and shape of the inner balancing ring can be modified to better correct any unbalance in the impeller assembly.